More than 200 objections to eight-bedroom HMO plan

At least 200 people have objected to plans to turn a building dating back to the 18th Century into an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

Crow Trees, on Town Lane in Idle, was recently used as a primary care training centre and Bradford Council granted permission in 2024 for it to be converted for residential use.

In May this year, the building became an HMO for six people, but the owner has since applied for two further residents to be added.

A total of 209 people have objected to the proposal, voicing concerns over the possibility of it eroding the Conservation Area of Idle and causing safety issues for residents, but council officers have recommended its approval.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, other objections included that it would be an inappropriate location and would set a precedent for similar conversions.

A report to be considered at a meeting of the council's Bradford planning panel next week said current planning rules about when an HMO did and did not require approval had led to "confusion" about the use of the building.

However, according to the report, council planning officers were satisfied the building's current use as a six-bed HMO was lawful.

The report to be seen by councillors stated: "A number of objection comments raised concerns that this is not a suitable location for a HMO, but as previously stated, the property is currently operating as a six-occupant HMO.

"The proposal is, therefore, in effect to allow an additional two residents."

Concerns had been raised about the "future occupants" of the property, but the council could not control who occupied the house, the report said.

"Such matters are controlled by the operator and within the constraints of the necessary HMO licence," it said.

The application for the change, from Mohammad Akhtar, said there was a "high proportion of single occupancy and young professional households in the area, signalling local demand for shared accommodation".

It added: "Average house prices on Town Lane have risen to £380,000, underscoring affordability pressures for first-time buyers.

"Keeping a historic building in active use is one of the most effective ways to ensure the long-term conservation – including by establishing a source of revenue or motive for its long-term maintenance and repair."

A decision on the application is due to be made at the planning panel's meeting on Wednesday.

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